The number of people called the NSPCC to report children being left home alone during the school holidays in Bristol has increased – with the charity fearing more children being put at risk by parents not keeping them safe.

The NSPCC has revealed the number of calls to its specialist counsellors from friends or neighbours concerned at the welfare of children left to fend for themselves all day is on the up in Bristol, and said they fear the long summer holidays starting soon will see even more children left home alone.

Figures released by the NSPCC show the most serious cases – where someone has called them and the charity’s staff have referred the case to the social services - has risen by more than 25 per cent in the past year.

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Now, the NSPCC has published transcripts of some of the calls they have been receiving, and said they want to warn that although a child might seem responsible enough to be left alone during the school holidays, parents should think twice before doing so.

One caller who phoned the NSPCC Helpline said: “They’re leaving the kids alone at all hours of the day, from early in the morning until late at night. They have to fend for themselves and make their own meals and use the cooker and other dangerous kitchen equipment.

“When I go round to check on them they pretend that their mum is in the house, but I don’t believe she is. I never see her,” they added.

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Parents and carers should think carefully whether they would be able to cope with unexpected situations such as an emergency, a stranger calling at the house, being hungry or if the parent is away for longer than they thought, said the NSPCC.

NSPCC Chief Executive Peter Wanless said: “Deciding if a child is ready to be left on their own can be a very difficult decision and the summer holidays can be a difficult time for parents and carers as they face increasing childcare pressures.

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“Although there is no minimum age, no child should be left on their own if there is any risk they will come to harm. Children mature at their own rate so it’s really important parents think carefully about what is right for their child.

“Children shouldn’t be left on their own if they are not happy with being left, or if they don’t know what to do in an emergency,” he added.